Ross Morreale

With extensive experience in regulated cannabis markets, including applications, licensing, operations, sales, and management, Ross Morreale understands the struggles and perspective of new start-up cannabis entrepreneurs and, along with his legal and general business backgrounds, Ross provides clients with unique advice and insights that lead to practical, value-driven solutions that will increase the value of your cannabis license. Although he has represented both established and start-up cannabis companies, his focus has shifted to helping start-ups with a particular emphasis on minority-owned or “social equity” companies.

As co-founder of Ataraxia (now Verano), one of the leading cannabis brands in Illinois, Ross managed multiple successful application processes for the company. He was involved in all aspects of the business, focusing on legal, compliance, human resources, sales, operations, and government affairs. Ross is also co-founder and the initial and longest-serving, Chairman of the Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois (now the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois), the primary industry association in Illinois consisting of a majority of the existing cannabis permit holders.

Before exclusively focusing on the cannabis industry, Ross maintained a diversified practice concentrated in commercial litigation, business transactions, administrative and regulatory law, estate planning, and personal injury law. Ross has represented clients in many types of matters, including contract negotiations and disputes, corporate formation and transactions, construction disputes, fraud and misrepresentation claims, post-judgment actions, consumer violations, administrative hearings, landlord-tenant disputes, personal injury and medical malpractice claims, real estate transactions, and probate matters.
Ross attended Loyola Academy, graduating in 1990, and then graduated from the University of Kansas and received his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 2002.